to understand the environment
What is clutter?
Clutter refers to a collection of items that are disorganized, excessive, unused or lack a designated space or storage location within a home or workplace, resulting in an environment that feels chaotic and disorderly.
Clutter can create visual and mental distractions interfering with daily activities, social interactions, and mental well-being.
It can make it challenging to maintain a sense of order, hinder productivity, negatively impact clarity and mental well-being and disrupt peace in an environment.
Clutter can present in various forms including some examples:
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Physical belongings ~ clothing, appliances, toys, stationary, unfinished projects, tools, unwanted or duplicate items and other household items.
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Paper ~ newspapers, junk mail or magazines, books, disorganized important documents, files, photos, craft supplies.
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Digital files ~ email inbox overload, images, files and documents, unused apps and software.
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Beliefs and Thoughts ~ self-doubt, perfectionism, negative self talk, limiting beliefs.
By implementing simple strategies and committing to ongoing maintenance, you can reduce clutter and create a more functional and harmonious living environment.
Hoarding
Hoarding is a pattern of behavior characterized by persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions, regardless of their actual value, due to a perceived need to save them, a fear of losing them, or a strong emotional attachment to them.
Hoarding disorder is recognized as a distinct mental health disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5 Ed. (DSM-5), and is associated with significant distress or impairment in social, occupational and other areas of functioning. The International OCD Foundation ( IOCDF).
Hoarding behavior may lead to serious health and safety risks, such as fire hazards, infestations, and unsanitary living conditions. The behaviours can be a symptom of underlying mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorders, Depression, or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) which can compound long term, chronic health issues and mobility risks.
Hoarding Disorder requires professional treatment and support to understand and effectively manage the behaviors to improve overall well-being long term.
Collecting
Collecting can be driven by a variety of motivations such as personal interest, nostalgia, or investment.
Whether it's stamps, coins, memorabilia, or art, collecting allows individuals to curate and preserve items that hold meaning or value to them. Engaging in collecting can provide a sense of fulfillment, connection to history or culture, and opportunities for social interaction with fellow enthusiasts.
Collecting as defined by The International OCD Foundation ( IOCDF) involves an accumulation of possessions which can sometimes appear similar in quantity to spaces impacted by Hoarding Disorder, but is organised, grouped and presented to be enjoyed by the collector.
Collectors are often strategic with items they collect which have a known value, they experience less distress when removing or selling the items and have minimal impairment to the function in their living spaces.
Collecting can however become compulsive or excessive for some individuals, leading to challenges such as clutter, financial strain, or isolation due to the focus on their collection.
Chronic Disorganisation
Chronic Disorganization refers to a persistent difficulty in managing personal possessions and maintaining an organized environment over an extended period.
Individuals experiencing Chronic Disorganization often struggle with decision-making, prioritization, and time management, leading to clutter in their living spaces.
This can be more challenging where multiple people live in an environment and routine is unable to be established or maintained creating, what feels like, perpetually chaotic spaces.
It is also linked to decreased productivity, increased stress and anxiety, strained relationships and financial challenges.
The Institute for Challenging Disorganisation (ICD) defines Chronic Disorganisation by the following characteristics:
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It persists over a long period of time
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It frequently undermines quality of life
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It recurs despite repeated self-help attempts
Hoarding in History
Hoarding behaviour has existed throughout in literature and mythology in history to describe the excessive accumulation of possessions or as a behavior associated with eccentricity or messy living. The Greek myth of King Midas, who famously hoarded gold and riches, serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of excessive greed and materialism.
The formal recognition of Hoarding Disorder as a distinct mental health condition began to emerge as professionals continued to research and understand of its unique features, prevalence, and impact on individuals' lives.
Initially linked as a symptom of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), it was added with its own category as a distinct mental health condition in the DSM (DSM-5) in 2013.
Since then, there has been increasing awareness, research, and clinical attention focused on Hoarding Disorder as a significant mental health issue. Today, Hoarding Disorder is recognized as a complex and challenging condition that can have profound effects on an individuals well-being, relationships, and quality of life.
Throughout history, there have been individuals known for their extreme hoarding behavior. For example, the Collyer brothers, Homer and Langley Collyer, gained notoriety in the early 20th century for their compulsive hoarding and reclusive lifestyle, which ultimately led to their deaths in a cluttered New York City brownstone. In 1947, the brothers were found dead in their home, buried under piles of debris that had collapsed on top of them.
The Collyer Brothers' story highlighted the importance of early intervention and effective support for individuals struggling with Hoarding Disorder.
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Hoarding Disorder
Television programmes such as 'Hoarders' and 'Buried Alive' have sensationalized hoarding behaviour and revealed the culture of excess and extent of accumulation of material items within society.
Although recognised in the DSM5 as a mental health condition, Hoarding Disorder is often under reported and undiagnosed so the population of individuals affected by the disorder in New Zealand is not yet fully understood.
There have been reported incidents of people living in hoarded conditions and squalor across New Zealand where accessibility in the home hinders emergency service responders, civil defence events create further vulnerability and the environment creates safety risks impacting chronic health conditions and injury
Where providers and government agencies are engaged, there is often a focus on reducing the 'stuff' which may relieve an immediate safety risks or resolve a required outcome such as tenancy issues, care and protection concerns, financial independence or home based healthcare support.
Promoting long term change for the individual and their family or support network, requires ongoing support and education to understand and manage their behaviours and wellbeing preventing the further development of the disorder and improving quality of life.
At Cleared With Care we are focused on collaborative care to promote honoring the person and their journey to wellbeing - not the stuff!
